Defiant Pollock overlooked

Chris Pollock will not take charge of one of the Super Rugby play-off clashes but stands by his decision to red card Kane Barrett.

Chris Pollock will not take charge of one of the Super Rugby play-off clashes but stands by his decision to red card Kane Barrett.

South African Jaco Peyper will be the man in the middle when the Crusaders play host to the Reds while Glen Jackson has been handed Sunday's game between the Brumbies and Cheetahs.

Pollock's omission comes after he gave Barrett his marching orders for making contact with the head of Craig Clarke with his boot during the Blues' loss to the Chiefs on Saturday.

The decision was considered harsh by many, with the flanker appearing to lack intent in his actions and with the majority of the contact on the shoulder of Clarke.

However, speaking on Radio Sport, Pollock said that the situation was black and white, with the International Rugby Board quite clear in their directive that any contact with the head while racking is a straight red.